Alaric Basson edges twin for Madibaz title
NMMU swimmer Alaric Basson edged twin brother Alard for the victor ludorum title when a successful Nedbank Madibaz gala was held in Port Elizabeth at the weekend.
While the Bassons dominated the men’s open events at the Newton Park pool, PEA swimmer Kaylene Corbett confirmed her credentials by being named the victrix ludorum in the women’s section.
Another PEA swimmer, Carlo Britz, was the junior victor ludorum, while Fish Eagle Aquatics member Trisha Pollicutt took the junior victrix ludorum.
Pollicutt defended the title she won in last year’s inaugural meeting, which Madibaz Sport swimming manager Melinda Goosen said was set to become a permanent fixture on the provincial calendar.
A year ago, the gala attracted an entry of 178 swimmers, which had grown to more than 200 this year, Goosen said.
“The weekend’s gala was another great success with the big increase in entries,” she said.
Last year’s event took place on the Saturday, while an evening session on the Friday was introduced this time to accommodate a larger field.
The gala produced performances of high quality, Goosen said.
“Many of our top swimmers in Neldown son Mandela Bay competed and there was also good competition from entrants from George and East London.”
With the gala positioned at the start of the season, she said it gave local swimmers an opportunity to gauge their level of fitness.
“It also gives the university an opportunity to showcase what we have to offer.”
Goosen said the feedback had been positive, especially as the gala catered for swimmers from the under-eight age group up to open categories.
She said highlights for the Madibaz included the men’s 50m breaststroke clean sweep by the Basson twins, with Alaric getting the better of Alard and Greg Kotze.
Seven-year-old Chloe Watson (PEA), the youngest swimmer at the gala, impressed by taking gold medals in the 50m freestyle and breaststroke events as well as a silver in the backstroke.
The club competition was won by PEA.
The results were: